“Always looking lost” “He’ doesn’t know what he’s doing” – Mikel Obi warns Maresca to drop Chelsea star ahead of conference league clash
John Obi Mikel has claimed Christopher Nkunku looks “lost” as a number nine with the Frenchman really struggling this season.
Nkunku started the goalless draw against Brentford on Sunday but was replaced at half-time after a very ineffective performance.
The 27-year-old was linked with a move to Bayern Munich in January, and it’s likely he will leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
Mikel on Nkunku
Nkunku has 14 goals and five assists this season, but only three goals have come in the Premier League, where he’s made 26 appearances.
The Frenchman has been heavily criticised for his performances, and it’s fair to say he’s not lived up to expectations since joining from RB Leipzig for £52m in the summer of 2023.
Finding Nkunku a position in the current side has been difficult with his preferred number ten role occupied by Cole Palmer, whilst Enzo Maresca has played him as a striker and a winger.
After another poor performance against Brentford, Maresca addressed claims the attacker was showing a lack of effort.
Mikel has now had his say on Nkunku’s performance and feels the France internationals looks “lost” as a number nine.
“He’s not a number nine, every time he plays there, he just looks lost,” he told The Obi One Podcast.
“I was watching him against against Brentford, he looked lost every time. He couldn’t hold up the play, couldn’t run behind, and couldn’t run into the channel.
“It just looks like he doesn’t know what he’s doing there, because that is not his position, he’s a number ten. He’s not a bad player. Yes, he’s had his injuries, and sometimes that slows you down quite a bit.
“He’s still young, there’s still so much that he can give. And I believe that he’s still a great player, but we need to find the best position for him.”
On his current form Nkunku arguably shouldn’t be starting games for Chelsea, but it’s on Maresca to find a solution for the final eight games with everyone needing to contribute as the Blues aim to secure Champions League qualification.